Biden calls Mubarak resignation 'a pivotal moment in history'

The glow from cell phone cameras was everywhere in Tahrir Square on Friday night as jubliant Egyptians tried to capture the scene for posterity. | /Shashank Bengali / MCT

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Jack Brammer | Lexington Herald-Leader

LOUISVILLE — Vice President Joe Biden said Friday that the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak "is a pivotal moment in history" and that it is America's hope it will bring "a path toward democracy."

Biden also told a crowd of about 1,200 people on the University of Louisville campus that it is time for Iran to let its people speak out freely.

Biden was at U of L as a guest of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, to speak at the McConnell Spring Lecture Series. Biden's speech was delayed for more than 30 minutes because of Mubarak's resignation Friday morning.

Biden, who spoke for 50 minutes, said President Barack Obama will address the nation later Friday regarding Mubarak's resignation. He said he did not want to detract from Obama's message but that he believes all Americans — Democrats and Republicans — should speak with one voice on the need for democracy in Egypt.

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